The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) License Exam is your first step if you are an Indian healthcare professional hoping to operate in Dubai or any other part of the United Arab Emirates. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals who pass this exam are guaranteed to fulfill the professional requirements needed to operate in Dubai’s healthcare system.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know from eligibility to application, fees, and preparation tips.
1. What is the DHA License Exam?
Healthcare professionals who want to work in Dubai must pass the DHA License Exam. To work in the healthcare industry in the emirate, you must obtain your DHA license, which can only be obtained by passing the exam.
2. Who Can Apply?
If you fall into any of the following criteria, you are eligible to apply for the DHA exam from India:
- Doctors (General Practitioners & Specialists)
- Nurses & Midwives
- Pharmacists
- Laboratory Technicians
- Allied Health Professionals (Physiotherapists, Radiographers, etc.)
Eligibility criteria include:
- A recognized degree/diploma in your field.
- Valid professional registration from your home country.
- Minimum required work experience (varies by profession — usually 2 years).
3. Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Create a Sheryan Account
Create an account on the DHA Sheryan Portal.
Step 2: Submit Your Documents
Upload scanned copies of:
- Passport
- Degree/diploma certificate
- Transcript/mark sheets
- Experience certificates
- Professional license from India
- Passport-size photograph
Step 3: Primary Source Verification (PSV)
DataFlow Group will check your documents to make sure they are real. This process usually takes 2–6 weeks.
Step 4: Exam Scheduling
You’ll get an exam eligibility ID after verification is finished. You can then book your test via Prometric.
Step 5: Take the Exam
The DHA exam is computer-based, held in various Prometric test centers across India.
Step 6: Get Your DHA License
Your DHA eligibility letter, which is good for a year, will be sent to you once you’ve passed the test and met all requirements.
4. DHA Exam Fee (2025)
| Fee Type | Cost (AED) | Approx. in INR (Feb 2025) |
| DataFlow PSV | 1,020 AED | ₹23,000 – ₹24,000 |
| DHA Exam (Prometric) | 260 AED | ₹6,000 – ₹6,200 |
| License Activation | 200 AED | ₹4,600 – ₹4,800 |
(Note: Exchange rates vary. Additional service charges may apply.)
5. DHA Exam Structure
- Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Duration: 2–3 hours (varies by profession)
- Passing Score: Usually 60–70%
- Attempts: Up to 3 attempts allowed.
6. Preparation Tips
- Review DHA syllabus guidelines for your profession.
- Practice with Prometric-style mock tests.
- Focus on recent clinical guidelines and best practices.
- Time yourself while solving MCQs.
7. Test Centers in India
Prometric has multiple test centers across India, including:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bangalore
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Kochi
8. After Passing the Exam
You will receive your DHA Eligibility Letter after passing. To activate your license, you must have a work offer from a licensed healthcare facility in Dubai.
Conclusion
The DHA License Exam is a golden opportunity for Indian healthcare professionals to advance their careers in Dubai. With proper preparation, accurate documentation, and timely application, your dream of working in the UAE can become a reality.
Pro Tip: Start your DataFlow verification early; it’s the most time-consuming step
